How To Get Better At Ukulele Strum Patterns
Strum Patterns on Ukulele
Ukulele strumming patterns can simply be described by saying D for a down strum and U for an up strum or by arrows pointing down or up, but it is probably worth looking at some proper notation. Although there is no official notation for ukulele strumming patterns, this layout is the most common.
The simple chord pattern above is showing a strumming pattern of Down, Down, Down-Up, Down.
Try strumming a new pattern on an easy chord like C to start with and once you feel comfortable with this, you can progress to adding a chord change.
The secret to playing a good strumming pattern is to strum from the wrist and try to keep a consistent and steady rhythm.
Have a go at strumming another pattern. This one goes Down, Down, Down-Up, Down-Up.
Keep the chords the same as you try out new strumming patterns
Once you feel comfortable with your newly acquired strumming skills, you can take it one step further by practising your strumming while changing between more chords.
A good place to start new strumming patterns is by using the C-Am-F-G7 sequence of chords.
Here is a great video from the defynityOrg channel to help you do just that!
‘Intermediate Strumming Patterns’
5 Top Strumming Tips
• Use a metronome to help you work on your strumming patterns and keep in time to start with.
• Keep your strumming wrist swinging up and down in a steady motion, whether or not you are hitting the strings.
• Try counting the beat as you play - you can play any strumming pattern as long as it fits with the timing of the song (the number of beats in a bar).
• Tap your foot on the down strokes to help you to internalise the rhythm.
• It is easy to fall into the habit of getting used to a particular strumming pattern and then using it all the time. Be adventurous! As you get more confident, try making up your own strumming patterns and test out different strums to go with different styles of songs.
Now that you’ve got into the swing of strumming, try out our Top Five Most Popular Ukulele Strum Patterns For Beginners and remember, you can use any strumming pattern with any song, as long as the timing is the same.
Happy Strumming 🙂
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